Weight gain during menopause. Is it inevitable or can it be prevented?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Metabolic Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Menopause is linked to weight gain, increased central adiposity, and reduced physical activity.
• While overall weight change is independent of menopausal status, hormonal shifts may drive adverse body composition changes.
• Physical activity is the most consistent factor associated with weight gain during this period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors influencing weight gain and body composition changes around menopause.
• To evaluate the role of physical activity, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and lifestyle interventions.
• To emphasize weight gain prevention as a crucial health goal for perimenopausal women.

Main Methods:

• Review of data from clinical trials, including the PEPI trial and the Women's Healthy Lifestyle Project.
• Analysis of factors such as physical activity, HRT use, and lifestyle interventions.
• Assessment of body weight, fat distribution (central adiposity), body composition, and related cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Main Results:

• Weight gain is strongly linked to physical activity levels.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not cause weight gain in the PEPI trial and may reduce central adiposity.
• Lifestyle interventions effectively prevented weight gain, increased waist circumference, and improved lipid levels in healthy menopausal women.

Conclusions:

• Regular physical activity is essential for preventing weight gain in menopausal women.
• Weight gain and adverse body composition changes around menopause are preventable through lifestyle interventions.
• Weight gain prevention should be a priority for women approaching menopause, given the chronic nature of obesity.